Light therapy system

ABSTRACT

A light therapy system is made up of a pressure cuff system having a cuff that is positionable on or near a body part of a user and that can receive pressurized air to selectively pressurize and depressurize the cuff and a light emitting system having a supporting structure and a light emitter positioned on the supporting structure, the light emitter being controllably powerable. The supporting structure is positionable on an interior surface of the cuff so that the light emitter can direct light onto the body part. The light therapy system can further include a controller capable of controllably powering the light emitter, wherein controller can adjust the intensity or duration of the light directed onto the body part in response to an input or measurement related to a condition of the body part. A photometer can be provided separately or integrally to measure the condition of the body part. A method of providing light therapy is also provided.

PRIORITY

The present application claims the benefit of domestic priority based onU.S. Provisional Patent Application 62/802,686 filed on Feb. 7, 2019,the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Photobiomodulation (PBM) or Low-level light therapy (LLLT) involves theapplication of laser and light-emitting diode (LED) light to livingtissue to create a photobiostimulation effect. The application of laserand LED light to living tissue is performed using wavelengths between600-1000 nm and power from 5-500 mW. Research has shown that the PBMaccelerates wound healing, improves microcirculation, and improvesmuscle performance. In most studies, an infrared (IR) light source isplaced on or near the surface of the body to produce a therapeutic doseof light at 0.5 to 5.0 J/cm2. Various light sources include commerciallyavailable LEDs and lasers diodes packaged in integrated circuits. Somelaser-based devices are pulsed to deliver higher instantaneous radiationintensity without thermally damaging the treated tissue.

A biphasic dose response effect is well established in the PBMtreatment, with which, any therapeutic benefits are diminished above andbelow some optimal dosage range. Thus, accurate PBM dosing of muscles iscritical for achieving benefits but confounded by limited and variablepenetration depth of the IR light that is applied on the skin surfacefor treating the tissues beneath the skin surface.

Inside the tissue, photons are either scattered or absorbed. Thetherapeutic benefit is achieved when light is absorbed by mitochondriain the muscle. On most parts of the body, a portion of the IR lightpasses through the skin, and the underlying fat layer scatters thephotons in a random pattern. Some photons continue to the underlyingmuscle fibers where the IR energy is absorbed by chromophores. Thebeneficial effects of the IR radiation of the muscle tissue increasesmitochondrial membrane potential, oxygen consumption, and adenosinetriphosphate (ATP) production. Since the IR light passing through thefat is randomly scattered, delivering a precise dose of the IR fluenceto the body muscles is challenging given humans have varying levels ofskin melanin and fat layer thickness throughout their bodies.

Near IR photometry is used in some commercial products (such as Lipidmeter, SAT meter, FUTREX) to non-invasively measure skin fat thickness.The method uses light that is transmitted into the skin by IR emittingdiodes. This radiation penetrates the tissue and is reflected, absorbed,and scattered according to the tissue's optical properties. Theradiation emerging from the skin is detected at multiple distancesbetween the source and detector of the optical measuring system and thenprocessed to infer the amount of light absorbed by the skin andreflected back from the fat layer.

Intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) devices are used medically tohelp prevent blood clots in the deep veins of the legs (deep veinthrombosis). These devices use pneumatic cuffs that are usually placedaround the legs. The cuffs fill with air and squeeze the legs. Uponrelease of the air, blood flows back through the veins and helps preventblood clots. Recently, these devices have been used by athletes toimprove circulation and facilitate muscle recovery after exercise. Also,the IPC devices are commercially available and frequently marketed toprovide automated massage treatment. The IPC devices come in a varietyof forms to treat different parts of the body and muscle groups. Legunits cover the foot and leg to the upper thigh. Shorts begin above theknee and extend upward above the waist. Some cuffs cover hands and armup to the shoulder.

Therefore, there is a need for an improved light therapy system. Thereis a further need for a light therapy system with improved and/or moreconsistent dosing. There is a further need for a light therapy systemwith improved delivery of light to the muscles. There is a further needfor improved and/or coordinated determination of fat layer thickness.There is a further need for a light therapy system that is used inconjunction with an intermittent pneumatic compression device.

SUMMARY

The present invention satisfies these needs. In one aspect of theinvention, an improved light therapy system and improved method ofproviding therapeutic light is provided.

In another aspect of the invention, a light therapy system and method ofuse provides improved dosing and/or more consistent dosing.

In another aspect of the invention, a light therapy system and method ofuse provides improved delivery of light therapy to the muscles of auser.

In another aspect of the invention, a light therapy system and method ofuse utilizes fat layer thickness information for improved light therapy.

In another aspect of the invention, a light therapy system and method ofuse utilizes skin color information for improved light therapy.

In another aspect of the invention, an improved fat layer thicknessdetermination and method is provided.

In another aspect of the invention, a light therapy system and method ofuse is used in conjunction with an intermittent pneumatic compressiondevice.

In another aspect of the invention, a light therapy system comprises apressure cuff system comprising a cuff that is positionable on or near abody part of a user and that can receive pressurized air to selectivelypressurize and depressurize the cuff; and a light emitting systemcomprising a supporting structure and a light emitter positioned on thesupporting structure, the light emitter being controllably powerable;wherein the supporting structure is positionable on an interior surfaceof the cuff so that the light emitter can direct light onto the bodypart, and wherein the light emitter has a light emitting surface, thelight emitting surface being a sufficient height from the supportingstructure that the light emitting surface can be pressed into the skinand into a fatty layer of the body part when the cuff is pressurized.

In another aspect of the invention, a light therapy system comprises apressure cuff system comprising a cuff that is positionable on or near abody part of a user and that can receive pressurized air to selectivelypressurize and depressurize the cuff; and a light emitting systemcomprising a supporting structure and a light emitter positioned on thesupporting structure, the light emitter being controllably powerable;wherein the supporting structure is positionable on an interior surfaceof the cuff so that the light emitter can direct light onto the bodypart, and wherein the light emitter has a light emitting surface, thelight emitting surface being a sufficient height from the supportingstructure that the light emitting surface can be pressed into the skinand into a fatty layer of the body part when the cuff is pressurized,wherein the light emitter comprises a plurality of arrays of lightemitters, each associated with a different muscle group of the bodypart.

In another aspect of the invention, a light therapy system comprises apressure cuff system comprising a cuff that is positionable on or near abody part of a user and that can receive pressurized air to selectivelypressurize and depressurize the cuff; and a light emitting systemcomprising a supporting structure and a light emitter positioned on thesupporting structure, the light emitter being controllably powerable;wherein the supporting structure is positionable on an interior surfaceof the cuff so that the light emitter can direct light onto the bodypart, and wherein the light emitter has a light emitting surface, thelight emitting surface being a sufficient height from the supportingstructure that the light emitting surface can be pressed into the skinand into a fatty layer of the body part when the cuff is pressurized andfurther comprising a photometer capable of measuring a property of thebody part.

In another aspect of the invention, a light therapy system comprises apressure cuff system comprising a cuff that can is positionable on ornear a body part of a user and that can receive pressurized air toselectively pressurize and depressurize the cuff; a light emittingmember comprising a supporting structure and a light emitter positionedon the supporting structure, wherein the supporting structure ispositionable on an interior surface of the cuff so that the lightemitter can direct light onto the body part; and a controller capable ofcontrollably powering the light emitter, wherein controller can adjustthe intensity or duration of the light directed onto the body part inresponse to an input or measurement related to a condition of the bodypart.

In another aspect of the invention, a light therapy system comprises apressure cuff system comprising a cuff that can is positionable on ornear a body part of a user and that can receive pressurized air toselectively pressurize and depressurize the cuff; a light emittingmember comprising a supporting structure and a light emitter positionedon the supporting structure, wherein the supporting structure ispositionable on an interior surface of the cuff so that the lightemitter can direct light onto the body part; and a controller capable ofcontrollably powering the light emitter, wherein controller can adjustthe intensity or duration of the light directed onto the body part inresponse to an input or measurement related to a condition of the bodypart, wherein the controller adjusts the intensity or duration of thelight in response to a thickness of the fat layer of the body part.

In another aspect of the invention, a light therapy system comprises apressure cuff system comprising a cuff that can is positionable on ornear a body part of a user and that can receive pressurized air toselectively pressurize and depressurize the cuff; a light emittingmember comprising a supporting structure and a light emitter positionedon the supporting structure, wherein the supporting structure ispositionable on an interior surface of the cuff so that the lightemitter can direct light onto the body part; and a controller capable ofcontrollably powering the light emitter, wherein controller can adjustthe intensity or duration of the light directed onto the body part inresponse to an input or measurement related to a condition of the bodypart and further comprising a photometer and wherein the controlleradjusts the intensity or duration of the light in response to a signalfrom the photometer.

In another aspect of the invention, a light therapy system comprises apressure cuff system comprising a cuff that can is positionable on ornear a body part of a user and that can receive pressurized air toselectively pressurize and depressurize the cuff; a light emittingmember comprising a supporting structure and a light emitter positionedon the supporting structure, wherein the supporting structure ispositionable on an interior surface of the cuff so that the lightemitter can direct light onto the body part; and a controller capable ofcontrollably powering the light emitter, wherein controller can adjustthe intensity or duration of the light directed onto the body part inresponse to an input or measurement related to a condition of the bodypart, further comprising a plurality of photometers and wherein thecontroller adjusts the intensity or duration of the light in response toa signal from the photometers, wherein the photometer generates a signalin relation to the thickness of the fat layer of the body part or thetransmissivity of the body part, wherein the light emitter comprises aplurality of arrays of light emitters, each associated with a differentmuscle group of the body part, and wherein each photometer ispositionable on the interior surface of the cuff in proximity to arespective array.

In another aspect of the invention, a method of providing light therapycomprises providing a pressure cuff having a light emitter on aninterior surface thereof; positioning the cuff on or near a body part;inflating the cuff and pressing the light emitter directly or indirectlyagainst the skin of the body part; determining the intensity or durationof light to be applied from the light emitter to the body part inrelation to a condition of the body part; and powering the light emitterso that the light is applied to the body part at the determinedintensity or duration.

In another aspect of the invention, a method of providing light therapycomprises providing a pressure cuff having a light emitter on aninterior surface thereof; positioning the cuff on or near a body part;inflating the cuff and pressing the light emitter directly or indirectlyagainst the skin of the body part; determining the intensity or durationof light to be applied from the light emitter to the body part inrelation to a condition of the body part; and powering the light emitterso that the light is applied to the body part at the determinedintensity or duration, further using a photometer to measure thecondition of the body part and using the measurement to determine theintensity or duration of the light.

In another aspect of the invention, a light therapy system comprises aphotometer having concentric rings of photometer light emitters and acentral photodetector.

In another aspect of the invention, a method of providing light therapycomprises providing a photometer; using the photometer to determine acondition of a body part; and applying light therapy to the body part atan intensity or duration related to the condition of the body part.

DRAWINGS

These features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention willbecome better understood with regard to the following description,appended claims, and accompanying drawings which illustrate exemplaryfeatures of the invention. However, it is to be understood that each ofthe features can be used in the invention in general, not merely in thecontext of the particular drawings, and the invention includes anycombination of these features, where:

FIG. 1A is a schematic side view of a light therapy system according tothe invention;

FIG. 1B is a schematic sectional view of the light therapy system ofFIG. 1A in an unpressurized condition;

FIG. 1C is a schematic sectional view of the light therapy system ofFIG. 1A in a pressurized condition;

FIG. 2A is a schematic top view of a version of a light emitter array ofthe light therapy system;

FIG. 2B is a schematic top view of another version of a light emitterarray of the light therapy system;

FIG. 3A is a schematic top view of a monitoring system of the lighttherapy system;

FIG. 3B is a schematic side view of the monitoring system of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3C is a schematic top view of another version of a monitoringsystem of the light therapy system;

FIG. 4 is a schematic side view of another version of a light therapysystem of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic open view of a version of an arrangement of lightemitters of the light therapy system;

FIG. 6 is a schematic exploded view of a version of a pressure cuffsystem of the light therapy system;

FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of a display of a controller of thelight therapy system;

FIG. 8A is a schematic exploded view of another version of a pressurecuff system of the light therapy system;

FIG. 8B is a schematic exploded view of another version of a pressurecuff system of the light therapy system;

FIG. 9A is a chart showing fate of infrared photons for multiplesimulations changing both melanin content ranging from fair to dark skincolor and fat thickness from 3 mm to 10 mm; and

FIG. 9B is a graph showing a profile of how light is re-emitted from theskin surface as a function of distance from a light emitter lightsource.

DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to a light therapy system. In particular,the invention relates to a light therapy system including or utilizablewith a pressure cuff. Although the invention is illustrated anddescribed in the context of being useful in association withintermittent pneumatic compression, the present invention can be used inother ways, as would be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill inthe art. Accordingly, the present invention should not be limited justto the examples and embodiments described herein.

FIG. 1A shows a light therapy system 100 of the present invention. Thelight therapy system 100 includes or can be useable with a pressure cuffsystem 105. The pressure cuff system 105 includes a pressurizable cuff110 that can be received around, adjacent, or in proximity to at least aportion of a part of a body, such as an extremity. In FIG. 1A, the cuff110 is shown encircling a leg 115 of a user. The pressure cuff system105 also includes a control system 120 that controls and/or monitors thepressurization of the cuff 110. The control system 120 includes apressure controller 125 that is capable of controlling the operation ofan air pump 130, such as an electrical air pump or a source ofpressurize air, so that pressurized air may be passed through a line 135leading to the cuff 110 to inflate or pressurize the cuff 110. Thepressure controller 130 can receive information from a pressure sensor140 and can control the application of pressure to the cuff 110 inresponse to the received pressure data. The pressure controller 130 mayalso be capable of controlling a pressure gate 145 within the line 135.The pressure gate 145 can include solenoids and/or venting mechanisms toallow the cuff 110 to be selectively pressurized and depressurized.

The light therapy system 100 also includes a light emitting system 150positionable within the cuff 110 of the pressure cuff system 105 so thatlight can be administered to the portion of the leg 115 or other bodypart within the cuff 110. The light emitting system 150 includes one ormore light emitting members 155 that include a supporting structure 160that supports one or more light emitters 165. The light emitting system150 is controllably connected, such as by electrical wire 170 and/orwireless technology, to a light emitting controller 175 of the controlsystem 120. The light emitting controller 175 is capable of controllingand/or monitoring the application of light, including the dose or dosageof light applied to the leg 115 or other body part. By dose or dosage oflight applied it is meant the intensity and/or duration of the lightapplication. Optionally, the light emitting controller 175 can beincorporated into or in communication with the pressure controller 125so that the application of pressure and the application of light can beresponsive to one another and/or coordinated together. The supportingstructure 160 can take the form of a printed circuit board or the likethrough which each light emitter 165 can be powered and/or controlled.

FIG. 1B and 1C show a sectional view of the light emitting system 150positioned within the cuff 110 of the pressure cuff system 105 so that alight emitter 165 can be in proximity to the leg 115 or other body partand can deliver light to the body part. For example, the light emittingmember 155 or the light emitters 165 can be positioned on the inside oron an interior surface of the cuff 110. The cuff 110 is made of aflexible material and includes a hollow space 180 that is incommunication with the line 135 of pressurized air. The hollow space 180may be selectively pressurized and depressurized to inflate and deflatethe cuff 110. FIG. 1B shows the cuff in an unpressurized condition, andFIG. 1C shows the cuff in a pressurized condition. As can be seen, inthe unpressurized condition, the light emitter 165 rests near or againstthe skin 185 of the leg 115 or other body part without significantdeformation of the skin 185. However, when in the pressurized conditionshown in FIG. 1C, the pressure of the cuff 110 forces the light emitter165 into the skin 185. When sufficient pressure is applied, the lightemitter 165 can be further pressed into the fatty layer 186 so that itis in proximity to the muscle 187. Optionally, a spacer 190 or the likecan be provided if needed to increase the thickness of the light emitter165 and to extend the distance of the light emitter from the supportingstructure 160. Also optionally, a cover layer 195 made of lighttransmitting material can be provided to cover the light emitter 165 sothat it does not directly contact the skin 185. Alternatively, the coverlayer 195 can be removed and the light emitter can directly contact theskin 185.

In one version, the light therapy system 100 may be used to administertherapeutic light to the leg 115 or other body part that is within ornear the cuff 115. For example, the light therapy system 100 may be usedto administer photobiomodulation therapy, also known as low-level lighttherapy, where the application of laser or light emitting diode (LED)light to living tissue. Therapeutic light that is administered to createa photobiostimulation effect when administered using wavelength of lightbetween about 600 and 1000 nm at a power ranging from about 5 to 500 mWfrom each light source. The photobiostimulation effect has been shown toaccelerate wound healing, improve circulation, and/or improve muscleperformance. The light therapy system 100 of the present inventionimproves on previous attempts at light therapy by its inclusion withinthe pressure cuff system 105 which applies pressure to the lightemitting system 150 to press the light emitter 165 into the skin 185 andcloser to the muscle 187 or other target of therapy. By positioning thelight emitter 165 closer to the muscle, a greater therapeutic effect canbe achieved and/or greater efficiency is light application can beachieved. When light is applied to the surface of the skin 185, photonsare either scattered or absorbed. The scattering is especially prevalentin the fatty tissue 186. The positioning of the light emitter 165 closerto the muscle 187 and the compression of the fatty layer 186 allows forincreased absorption of the photons by the muscle and decreasedscattering. The therapeutic effect is achieved when photons are absorbedby mitochondria in the muscle. The beneficial effect of the photonabsorption is believed to include an increase in mitochondrial membranepotential, oxygen consumption, and adenosine triphosphate production.

In one version of the light therapy system, the one or more lightemitters 165 comprises one or more light emitting diodes. In oneparticular version, the light emitters 165 are configured to emit lightconsisting of wavelengths in the near infrared range or from about 780nm to about 1000 nm. While it is possible to use light outside thisrange, studies have shown that light in this range of wavelengths ispreferred for muscle therapy since shorter wavelengths do not penetrateas far into tissue and longer wavelengths are not as effective atstimulating the muscle mitochondria.

In one version of the light therapy system 100, the light emitters 165are sized and shaped to penetrate into the fatty layer 186 when the cuff110 is pressurized so that the light emitter can be in proximity to theunderlying muscle 187. The light emitters 165 have a light emittingsurface that is in contact with the skin 185 either directly or throughthe cover layer 195. In one version, the height of the light emittingsurface above, i.e. away from, the support structure or an interiorsurface of the cuff 110 is at least about 1 mm, or at least about 2 mm,or at least about 3 mm, or at least about 5 mm, or at least about 10 mm.A spacer 190 can be provided as necessary or the light emitter 165 canbe designed with the desired height. In one version, different heightlight emitters can be provided to accommodate different fat layerthickness of a user.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate versions of light emitting members 155 thatare designed to provide an array 200 of light emitters 165. The array200 can comprise a plurality of light emitters 165 arranged in anysuitable pattern. By array of light emitters it is meant a group of aplurality of light emitters 165 that are powerable with by the lightemitter controller at the same or similar intensity and duration. Thearray 200 can be on one printed circuit board or can be on multipleprinted circuit boards, and a single printed circuit board can containone or multiple arrays 200. For example, the array 200 of FIG. 2A is amultidimensional array 205, and the array 200 of FIG. 2B is aone-dimensional array 210 or strip of light emitters 165 positionedgenerally in a straight line. The light emitting system 150 can compriseone or more such arrays 200. For example, in one version, the array 200can encompass the entirety or near entirety of the interior of the cuff110. In another version, one or more arrays 200 can be positioned withinthe cuff 110 so that they each apply light to a particular region ormuscle of interest on the body part within the cuff 110. For example, inone particular version, one or more arrays 200 of light emitters 165 canbe attached to the cuff 110 in independently controlled groups thatcorrespond to target leg muscle groups such as quadriceps, hamstrings,and/or calves. Alternatively or additionally, other muscle groups orother tissue can be targeted. In one version, the one or more arrays 200are individually integrated circuits mounted to flexible printed circuitboards that are attachable the cuff 110. In one version, one or morearrays 200 are connected in series to a main two connector power wirethat is connected to the light emitting controller 175.

The light emitting controller 175 controls the operation of the one ormore arrays 200 of light emitters in a predetermined manner. The lightemitting controller 175 supplies power to the one or more light emitters165 so that a predetermined intensity and/or duration of light can beadministered to a body part near or contacting the light emitter. Thepower and/or duration can be applied to a single light emitter 165 or toa plurality of light emitters 165. When a plurality of light emitters165 are to be powered by the light emitting controller 175, they may bepowered independently or as one or more arrays 200 where each array 200includes a group of light emitters 165 that are to be poweredcollectively as a group at the same or similar intensity and for thesame or similar duration. The intensity and/or the duration of theapplication of light for each light emitter 165 and/or for each array200 can be input into the controller by a user communicating with thecontroller via a user interface. Alternatively, the intensity and/orduration can be automated. For example, in one version, the lightemitting controller can be in communication with the pressure controller125 or other monitor and can adjust the application of light in responseto the pressurization of the cuff 110. For example, by applying light tothe body part only when the cuff 110 is pressurized, the application oflight can be more efficient since it is during this pressurizedcondition that the light more optimally is transmitted to the muscle187. Alternatively, the light can be maintained even when the cuff 110is in an unpressurized condition. Also alternatively or additionally,the intensity and/or duration can be adjusted in response to othersignals or conditions as discussed below.

In one version, the intensity and/or duration of the application oflight by a light emitter 165 and/or one or more arrays 200 of lightemitters 165 can be selected or adjusted based on a factor associatedwith the body part to the treated. For example, one factor that can beused to adjust the intensity and/or duration of the light application isthe thickness of the fatty layer 186 of the body part. Because thescattering of light is especially prevalent in fatty tissue, the thickerthe layer of fat 186, the higher the scattering of light and the greaterthe needed intensity and/or duration of light application to achieve adesired light application dosage. Accordingly, in one version, thethickness of the fatty layer 186 of the body part can be measured, suchas by calipers or by an electronic monitor, and the intensity and/orduration of the light application can be set depending on themeasurement. An operator of the light therapy system 100 can, forexample, input the desired intensity and/or duration into the lightemitting controller 175 after referring to a chart, table, or the like,that has empirical data relative to the fat layer condition, or thelight emitting controller can be preprogrammed with the empirical dataso that the operator can input the measurement information and the lightemitting controller 175 can automatically adjust the intensity and/orduration of the light application. Alternatively, when using anelectronic monitor, a signal related to the fat level condition can besupplied to the light emitting controller 175 and the adjustments can bemade in response to the signal. Another factor that can be used toadjust the intensity and/or duration of the light application is skincolor. Skin color can affect the transmissivity of the lightapplication. Therefore, in one version of the invention, skin color canbe assessed or monitored, and the light intensity and/or duration can beadjusted in accordance with the skin color in similar manner to thatdescribed above in connection with the fat condition. In yet anotherversion, both fat layer thickness and skin color can be used to adjustthe intensity and/or duration of the light intensity.

In one version, the light therapy system 100 may also include a lightsensing system 300, such as the one shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. In theversion of FIGS. 3A and 3B, the light sensing system comprises aphotometer 305, such as a reflectometer. The photometer 305 is made upof a photodetector 310 and a plurality of photometer light emitters 315,such as infrared light emitting diodes. The photodetector 310 and thephotometer light emitters 315 are secured to a substrate 320. Thephotometer 305 comprises the photodetector 310 and a pattern of thephotometer light emitters 315 that are spaced at logarithmic distancesaway from the photodetector 310. For example, the photometer lightemitters 315 may be infrared light emitting diodes that are placed at 3mm, 6 mm, 12 mm, 24 mm, and/or 48 mm distances from the photodetector310. The photodetector 310 may include an optical filter on the sensorto detect only light within a narrow wavelength around the peak emittedwavelength of the infrared light emitting diodes 315. In one, such asthe one shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, five photometer light emitters 315 andthe photodetector 310 are mounted on a rigid substrate 320, as shown, sothat their relative spacing is maintained when the cuff 110 is inflated.Photometer light emitter power lines and sensor wires may be bundledtogether so the photometer 305 is in communication with the lightemitting controller 175. The light emitting controller 175 can controlthe emission of light from the photometer light emitters 315 and canreceive an output signal from the photodetector 310. The light emittingcontroller 175 can then process the data to determine qualities relatedto the transmission of light into the leg 115 or other body part. Anoptional pressure sensor 330 may also be provided as discussed below.

In use of the photometer 305 of FIGS. 3A and 3B, infrared photons fromthe photometer light emitters 315 are applied to the skin 185. Thephotons are scattered, absorbed, or reemitted at the skin surface. Theskin 185 has both light scattering and absorbing properties. Theabsorption is greater on darker skin with an abundance of melanin. Fat186 may be approximated at mostly scattering of the infrared light.Muscle 187 tissue is primarily absorbing. The attenuation of light atthe shortest distance between a first photometer light emitter 325 orgroup of photometer light emitters and the photodetector 310 is highlycorrelated with the skin light absorption since typical skin thicknesseson the torso and limbs is similar to 3 mm distance between the firstphotometer light emitter 325 and the photodetector 310. The skin lightabsorption may be obtained from the empirical relationship:

skin absorption (cm⁻¹)=f(photodetector voltage from first light emitter)

Light that penetrates the skin layer is scattered in all directions bythe fat layer 186. Some of this light exits the body back through theskin 185 and may be detected by the photodetector 310. Light that passesthrough the fat layer 186 is absorbed by the muscle 187 where it canprovide the desired therapeutic effect. Over thick fat layers, theamount of light remitted at the skin 185 will be higher than over thinfat layers 186 where light can travel less obstructed to the muscletissue 187. Each photometer light emitter is turned on and off insequence so the output voltage from the photodetector 310 at differenttimes corresponds to the diffuse reflectance at a discrete distance onthe skin surface. The fat layer 186 thickness is inferred from themultiple measurements of the photometer light emitters 315 at varyingdistances from the photodetector 310. The fat layer 186 thickness may becalculated from the empirical relationship:

fat thickness (mm)=g(photodetector voltage from all light emitters)

Another version of a photometer 305 of the light sensing system 300 ofthe light therapy system 100 is shown in FIG. 3C. The photometer 305 ofFIG. 3C includes a circular geometric pattern 335 of photometer lightemitters 315 with the photodetector 310 in the the middle of thecircular pattern surrounded by strings of one or more photometer lightemitters 315. Each string corresponds to a unique distance between thestring and the photodetector 310 and is independently controllable bythe light emitting controller 175. The current through each string ofphotometer light emitters 315 is modulated to provide a response at thephotodetector 310 that is approximately consistent for a typical skincolor and fat thickness. The photodetector voltage response may be nearthe middle of the range for an analog to digital converter to accuratelymeasure the diffuse reflectance with a 10+bit resolution.

In one version, the light sensing system 300 can be used independentlyfrom the light application. For example, prior to the installation ofthe cuff 110 on the body part, the light sensing system 300 can be usedto make measurements of the body part, such as the fat layer thicknessand/or the light transmissivity. The measurements can be delivered to,input into, and used to set the light emitting controller 175, asdiscussed above.

In one version, the light sensing system 300 can be integrated into thecuff 110 by being positioned within the cuff 110 and be directlyconnectable to the light emitting controller 175. In this version, thephotometer 305 can be used to make measurements of the body part priorto the application of light to the body part so the intensity and/orduration of the application can be adjusted. Additionally oralternatively, the photometer 305 can be used during the application oflight. In one particular version, the photometer 305 can be used tomonitor the transmissivity of light during the application, and themeasurement can be interpreted by the light emitting controller 175 sothat automated adjustments can be made to the intensity and/or durationof the light application. One or more photometers 305 can be positionedwithin the cuff 110 at a position in proximity to the one or more arrays200 of light emitters 165 so that the intensity and/or duration of thelight application for each array 200 can be separately adjusted inresponse to the measurement from the photometer associated with theregion where the array 200 is located. The adjustments to the intensityand/or duration can be made by an operator receiving a signal indicativeof the measurements or can be automatically made by light emittingcontroller 175 in response to the signal from the photometer 305. In oneversion, the adjustments are made by the light emitting controller 175in real time. For example, in one version, a photometer 305 may bepositioned or mounted near the center of each of the one or more arrays200 of light emitters 165.

In one version, such as shown in FIG. 1 and in 4, the light therapysystem 100 may include a pressure cuff system 105 that operates as anintermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) device 400. Intermittentpneumatic compression devices are used medically to help prevent clotsin deep veins in the legs or other extremities. The intermittentpneumatic compression device 400 intermittently applies pneumaticpressure to the leg or other extremity or body part. Upon release ofpressure, blood flows back through the veins and helps prevent bloodclots. Intermittent pneumatic compression devices can also oralternatively be used by athletes to improve circulation and facilitatemuscle recovery after exercise and/or for automated message treatment.

In the version of FIG. 4, the pressure cuff system 105 includes a cuff110 having multiple chambers 405 that are each pneumatically separatedfrom one another. When being used as an intermittent pneumaticcompression device 400, the pressure controller 125 can separatelypressurize and depressurize each separate chamber 405 for a desiredeffect, such as to sequentially pressurize the chambers 405 in series tohelp encourage the flow of blood. In another version, the pressurecontroller 125 can pressurize each chamber 405 at the same time but witheach chamber 405 being pressurized a different amount, as desired.

In FIG. 4, there is further shown an exemplary light emitting system 150having two or more light emitting members 155 that span multiplecompartments 405 and a light sensing system 300 comprising a photometer305 positioned between the light emitting members 155. In an alternativearrangement, each light emitting member 155 can be associated with aseparate compartment 405 and separate photometers 305 can be providedfor multiple light emitting members 155. The light emitting controller175 is in electrical communication with each light emitting member 155by, for example, respective wires 410, 415 and is in communication withthe one or more photometers 305, such as by bundled wire 420 that canboth power the photometer light emitters 315 and receive an outputsignal from the photodetector 310. The light emitting controller 175 mayinclude a processor and/or circuitry that controls the light emittingmembers 155 and may include input devices such as a touchscreen forreceiving operator input. The light emitter power supply voltage and theair pump 130 may be connected to a mains power supply or a rechargeablebattery for drawing electrical power, and provides the electrical powerto the light emitters 165 as desired. The light emitting members 155 maybe arranged in electrical series groups so that the sum of forwardvoltages of the group's light emitters 165 match the power supplyvoltage. The input device, such as the touch screen, may be utilized bya user to set a desired muscle infrared dose, for example.

The cuff 110 of the light therapy system 100 may optionally include aside opening 425. The side opening 425 may be selectively openable toexpose the interior of the cuff 110 and to facilitate attachment of thecuff 110 onto a leg or other extremity or other body part. A closure430, such as a zipper or the like, may be provided to close the opening425 once the cuff 110 is secured around the body part.

FIG. 5 shows a particular cuff 110 and light emitting system 150. Thelight emitting system 150 of FIG. 5 includes multiple strips of lightemitters 165, such as strips of light emitting diodes. In this version,each strip can operate as an array 200 or as a one-dimensional array 210of light emitters 165. Alternatively, multiple strips can be groupedtogether to form a larger array 200 or a multidimensional array.Alternatively, the entirety of the strips can collectively form a singlearray 200. Each one-dimensional array 210 can contain from 2 to 100light emitters 165. In one version, there can be from 2 strips to about50 strips, or from about 10 strips to about 40 strips, or from about 20strips to about 30 strips, or about 26 strips. The total number of lightemitters 165 can range from 2 to about 20,000, or from about 50 to about10,000, or about 1000 to about 5000, and in one particular version thereare about 4800 light emitters. The photometers 305 can optionally bemounted near the center of an array 200 of independently controllablelight emitters 165. The total number of photometers 305 can range from 0to 20, or from about 1 to about 5, and in one particular version, thereare four photometers 305, one each for the right and left side of thecalf and for the right and left side of the quadricep.

FIG. 6 shows an exploded view of a version of a pressure cuff system 105of the light therapy system 100 with the cuff open and laid flat. Thepressure cuff system 105 includes a cuff 110 that serves as an outerlayer 600. An intermediate layer 605 includes the one or more lightemitting members 155 and the supporting structures 160 and the lightsensing system 300. Optionally, the intermediate layer 605 can furtherinclude a reflective liner 610, such as a white liner. The reflectiveliner 610 can be attached to the cuff 110 and can be cut to be the samesize and shape as the cuff 110 or can be different size and shape. Theattachment of the reflective liner 610 to the cuff 110 may be in theform of zippers, hook and loop fasteners, or snap tape around the edgesof the cuff 110 and/or each cuff chamber 405 or each cuff chamber thatallow for convenient removal and servicing. The intermediate layer 605may use zippers or other fasteners that mate with commercially availablecuffs. Each side of the intermediate layer 605 may have two fasteners,one to attach to the cuff 110 and another to close the cuff 110 andintermediate layer 605 around a body part. The reflective or white liner610 can improve the uniformity of the light dosage reaching the muscles.The light that is scattered back through the skin may be reflected backinto the body by the reflective liner 610 to increase the chance ofphotons reaching the muscle tissue more efficiently. An inner layer 615may also be provided. The inner layer 615 may be made of a material thatis optically transparent to infrared light, such as polyvinyl chloride,polyurethane, epoxy, acrylic, silicone, and the like, and is attached tothe intermediate layer 605 as a sheet with a fastener material or may bepermanently attached thereto. The purpose of the optically transparentinner layer 615 is to insulate the user from the electrical componentsand provide a cleanable surface that can be disinfected and wiped downbetween uses. The permanently attached version of the inner layer 615can be adhered to the intermediate later 605 to create a durable productthat provides protection for the light emitters 165 and photometers 305from abrasion and the like. In this version, the inner layer 615 makesup the optional cover layer 195 discussed above. The light emittingmembers 155 may be arranged in the electrical series groups so that thesum of forward voltages of the group's light emitters match the lightemitter power supply voltage. The one or more series groups areconnected to the main two connector power wire that is ultimatelyconnected to the light emitting controller 175 that may be separatedfrom the intermediate layer 605. In one version, the light emittermembers 155 may contain infrared light emitting diodes mounted to heatdissipating aluminum printed circuit boards that are attached to thewhite liner 610 using removable fastener or permanent attachment.

In one version, the intermediate layer 605 and optionally the innerlayer 610 can be provided as an upgrade kit for an existing intermittentpneumatical compression device cuff assembly. Alternatively, thepressure cuff system 105 can include the cuff 110 and additional layersconstructed together as a single unit.

In one version of the light therapy system 100, a photometer 305 may bemounted near the middle of each muscle group array 200 so the dosedelivered by the light emitters 165 on the array 200 may be controlledand/or customized in accordance with the signal received from thephotometer 305, as shown in FIG. 6. Alternatively, multiple photometers305 can be associated with each array 200, such as by being distributedaround the periphery or at respective ends of the array 200.Alternatively, a single photometer 305 can be provided at a desiredlocation.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a user interface 700, such as a touchscreen 705, that may be used to allow a user to interact with thecontrol system 120 and in particular the light emitting controller 175.The user interface 700 shows parameters and status of infrared dosingfor the light therapy system 100 applied to a leg 115. The userinterface 700, for example, can be utilized by the user to specify thedesired muscle IR dose (in joules per cm²) for each muscle group byusing of a change tab or button. In real time, a display of the touchscreen 705 user interface 700 may indicate one or more parameter valuescorresponding to fat thickness, skin light absorption, target muscledose, progress toward the delivered muscle dose for each muscle group,and time remaining to complete the dosage. The touch screen 705 mayfurther facilitate or allow or include a mechanism that will allow theuser to reset the delivered dose counter and start and pause the ongoingdosing by way of other tabs or buttons 715.

FIGS. 8A and 8B show different versions of pressure cuff systems 105 ofthe light therapy system 100. FIG. 8A shows the pressure cuff system 105in the form of intermittent pneumatic compression shorts 800 that coverlarge muscle groups in upper legs and buttocks. In this version, themuscle group arrays 200 are applied in compression shorts 800 that coverthe midsection of the body. When the middle seam 805 of the shorts 800are opened and laid flat, the muscle group arrays 200 are applied inregions that correspond with the gluteus maximus, hamstrings, andquadriceps. FIG. 8B shows a version of the pressure cuff system 105integrated into or positionable on a massage chair 810 where the musclegroup arrays 200 and light sensing systems 300 are integrated intoinstalled on the chair 810 to treat muscle groups in arms, legs, neck,and/or back of a human body. In one version, the muscle group arrays 200may be mounted in the massage chair so that the user receives thetherapeutic light dose when the massage elements are creating maximumpressure on the targeted muscle groups. Commercially available massagechairs treat neck, shoulder, back, buttocks, arm, thigh, and calfmuscles. The muscle group arrays 200 and light sensing systems 300 maybe installed in a plurality of these locations as a kit where the arrayand sensors interface with the massage chair controls. Alternatively,the light therapy system 100 may be directly incorporated in the designof a massage chair. Alternatively, the light therapy system 100 may bean integral part of other structures, such as a massage table, or thelike.

In operation, the light therapy system 100, in one version, can employ avariety of programs that inflate the pressure cuff system 105 in adesired manner. Target cuff pressures are achieved either by inflatingthe cuff 110 and/or compartments 405 in the cuff 110 for a specificperiod of time or by monitoring the line pressures connected to the cuff110. When the maximum cuff pressure is achieved, a first solenoid valveor the like, such as a solenoid from one of the pressure gates 145connecting a pump, such as the electrical air pump 130 to the cuff 110may close or the pump may stop. A second solenoid valve or the like,such as another solenoid from the pressure gate 130, may vent the cuff110 or compartment 405 to release the pressure according to a programschedule. The photometer 305 light emitting controller 175 may connectto the pressure controller 125 to monitor and control voltagescorresponding to the state of the solenoid valves, the pressure sensor140, and the pump motor. Based on these control signals, a processorwithin the light emitting controller 175 determines a state when thecuff 110 or each compartment 405 is at a maximum pressure. Thephotometer 305 and the array 200 of light emitters 165 may operate whenthey are located underneath the cuff 110 that is at a desired and/orpredetermined pressure state. When the solenoid vents the air in thecuff 110 or compartment 405, both the photometer 305 and the arrays 200may be disabled. A typical session with an intermittent pneumaticcompression system may last approximately 15 minutes. The pump may gothrough multiple cycles that may last a few minutes each where the cuff110 or compartments 405 are inflated to the certain pressure and thepressure is held for 5 to 30 seconds before venting the cuff 110 orcompartment 405. The light emitting controller 175 may, in one version,wait until a first predetermined pressure event occurs and make readingsfrom the photometer 305 to characterize the light absorption andscattering of the skin and fat layers. These measurements may be used tocalculate a dose of the IR light on the surface of the skin that willprovide a uniform dose of the IR light to the muscles that will beabsorbed in the muscle layer. The skin dose (DS) may have the form asshown below:

DS=DT*h(skin absorption, fat thickness)

Where DT, dosage time, is the cumulative period when the light emittersare activated.

While the cuff 110 or compartment 405 is still in the pressurizedcondition, the array 200 of light emitters 165 may activate to begin theinfrared light dose. The processor of the light emitting controller 175may log the number of seconds for which the array 200 of light emittersare turned ON. The light emitters 165 may then be turned OFF when thecorresponding cuff solenoid vents and turns back ON when the cyclereaches the predetermined pressure and/or duration. When the timerreaches the calculated exposure time for the target dose of the array200, the lights may turn OFF for the remainder of the program schedule.

In operation, each array 200 of light emitters 165 includes a number oflight emitters 165 that emit light in a range of wavelengths spanning acentral wavelength. The radiant flux (mW) of each light emitter is ameasure of the emitted light in the range of wavelengths through anactive area on the chip. The light emitter radiant power density is theradiant flux divided by the active area (mW/cm²). The light emitterradiant power density applies only to a point where the active area ofthe light emitter is in contact with the skin. For each array 200 andfor each associated muscle group, a surface radiant power density iscalculated. The surface radiant power density may be calculated as thenumber of light emitters 165 in the group multiplied by the radiant fluxof an individual light emitters divided by the area treated by the groupor array 200. Beneath the skin and fat layers, the muscle radiant powerdensity is the measure of how much of the light reaches the underlyingmuscle. The spacing of the light emitters on the array 200 of the musclegroup light assembly can be important for proper therapeutic lightdosing since too few lights may create dark regions between lights wherethe light does not propagate through to the muscle layer. Each array 200has the light emitters spaced to deliver a nearly homogeneous powerdensity to the target muscle. The ensemble of the light emitters mayhave sufficient radiant power to deliver the dose within the allottedtime where the intermittent pneumatic compression program has theunderlying cuff in the predetermined pressure state.

For areas of the body with thicker fat layers, less radiant powerreaches the muscle group. The light reaching the muscle is also morediffuse. More powerful light emitters 165 may be spaced further apartbut still achieve the desired homogeneity and density of light at themuscle layer. For example, a typical thickness of fat on a male calf(gastrocnemius muscle) is 4 mm +/−2 mm whereas the fat thickness on theinner thigh (adductor muscle) is 10 mm +/−4 mm. To deliver a homogeneous3 J/cm² dose of the infrared radiation to both muscle groups in a 30 sexposure time, the inter light emitter spacing over the calf musclegroup assembly may need to be 2 cm and use 200 mW radiant power lightemitters and the light emitter spacing over the adductor may be 5 cm anduse 1000 mW light emitters.

In another version, specific focusing and/or diffusing lenses may beplaced over the light emitters 165 to help ensure uniform light densityon the muscle surface. With this version, the array 200 of muscle grouplight emitters may be customized for different fat layer thicknesswithout changing the light emitter spacing. The array 200 of musclegroup light emitter assemblies could then be moved to target differentmuscle groups for a variety of intermittent pneumatic compression cuffassemblies, for example hand, foot, arm, legs, hips, thighs, and/orwaist. In another version, a pressure sensor 330 is mounted on eachphotometer 305. The array 200 may be turned ON when a pressure above athreshold value is sensed above the associated muscle group. The dosingmay continue while the pressure is above the threshold value and thetotal exposure time is less than that needed to achieve the desiredmuscle dose. In another version, the light emitting controller 175 usespulse width modulation (PWM) to control the dosage of light. The lightemitting controller 175 may determine a duty cycle of the light emitters165 associated with each muscle group so that the dosage of all musclegroups is completed at the same time.

Modeling of light transport through multiple tissue layers is a complexproblem that can be addressed with statistical simulations that modelthe transport and fate of a large number of photons entering the bodynormal to the skin surface and interacting with the various tissuelayers. The inputs of Monte Carlo simulations include optical propertiesof each tissue layer and their corresponding thicknesses. The output isa map of where photons are absorbed in tissue or re-emitted out of theskin. A summary of the modeled fate of IR photons for multiplesimulations (changing both melanin content ranging from fair to darkskin color and fat thickness from 3 mm to 10 mm) is shown in FIG. 9A. Inthis simulation, the amount of light absorbed in the muscle layer rangesfrom 17% for fair skin and 3 mm fat layer to 3.2% for dark skin and 10mm fat layer. To achieve the same dose of IR light to the underlyingmuscle, the later subject would need to expose themselves to more than 5times the amount of light than the former subject. Inferring how muchlight reaches the muscle is helpful for delivering a consistent dose.

The model also generates a profile of how light is re-emitted from theskin surface as a function of distance from the light emitter lightsource, FIG. 9B. For points very close to the light emitting source (x<4mm, point A in FIG. 9B), the diffuse reflectance, Rd(A)=detectorsignal/distance², is closely related to how much light is not absorbedby the melanin in the epidermis layer. At source-detector distances onthe order of the dermis thickness, the fat and muscle layers below thedermis have negligible effect on the R_(d)(A) signal. The skin factor,F_(skin) may be defined as R_(d)(4 mm) and represents a characteristicof the diffuse reflectance curve.

Light that penetrates the skin layer is scattered in all directions bythe fat layer.

Some of this light exits the body back through the skin and may bedetected by the photodetector 310. Light that passes directly throughthe fat layer is absorbed by the muscle where it can provide the desiredeffects of the light therapy. Over thick fat layers, the amount of lightreemitted at the skin will be higher than over thin fat layers wherelight can travel with less obstruction from the photometer lightemitters 315 to the light absorbing muscle tissue. The output voltagefrom the photodetector 310 at different times corresponds to the diffusereflectance across a range of distances on the skin surface. The fatlayer thickness is inferred from the multiple measurements light emittedfrom the skin 185 and varying distance from the source. Experiments haveshown that further from the light emitter 315 source (>5 mm), R_(d)(x)decays exponentially where the rate of decay is related to the thicknessof the fat layer. The fat factor may be simply defined as the ratioR_(d)(10 mm)/R_(d)(20 mm) cancels out the component of the signal thatis related to skin absorption.

For each model simulation, the skin and fat factors are tabulated and acollection of model runs with a range of different skin color and fatthickness layers creates a database for inferring the fraction of lightabsorbed by the muscle tissue, as shown by the following table of asample database to infer infrared treatment time to deliver a constantdose of infrared light to muscle tissue based on variations in skincolor and fat layer thickness.

Fair Skin- Fair Skin- Dark Skin- Dark Skin- 3 mm Fat 10 mm Fat 3 mm Fat10 mm Fat Fitzgerald Skin 1 1 5 5 Color Type Fat Layer Thickness 3 10 310 (mm) Skin Factor, Rd(4 36.7 37.6 16.6 16.9 mm) Fat Factor, 43.0 28.243.5 28.9 Rd(10 mm)/Rd(20 mm) Abs_muscle 17% 5% 11% 3% Treatment Time10.0 35.3 14.7 51.2 (min)

Direct measurements of the reflectometer at distances of 4 mm, 10 mm,and 20 mm enable the calculation of both the skin and fat factors. Inturn, the measured factors can be matched and interpolated with datafrom the above table to determine the proper treatment time that willdeliver a constant dose of infrared light to muscle tissues for mostusers.

In other versions, the light therapy system 100 may use other parametersderived from the skin reflectometer's diffuse reflectance profile toinfer adjustments to dosing treatment times. In addition, other datasuch as photometer sensor pressure 330 may be added to the database toimprove the precision of infrared light dosing.

The power supply for the components and controllers may be integratedinto a single enclosure and the light source is activated when the IPCpump has reached the predetermined pressure in the cuff 110. In thisway, the light is only emitted when the optical path from the lightsource module to the muscle is shortest. The controller can be set witha prescribed total infrared or other radiation dosage (J or J/cm2) foreach muscle group so that the muscle group light source is turned OFFwhen the desired dosage has been achieved.

In one version of the invention, the light sensing system 300 can beused with a light therapy system other than one that uses a pressurecuff system. Light therapy of all types can benefit from a measurementof the thickness of a fatty layer and the adjustment of the light dosagein relation to the measurement. For example, the light sensing system300 can be used to determine optimal light dosage on the skin to deliverthe desired light dosage to the muscle tissue in any other mode ofinfrared light therapy. Other light therapy systems include light bulbs(Wolezek) and LED panels (i.e. Joovv, PlatimunLED Therapy Lights) wherea subject stands in front of the light for a predetermined period oftime. Other methods can also include tanning bed style systems(NovoThor). In addition, hand-held LED and laser IR emitters (Infarex,TOPlight) can be held on the skin surface to achieve therapeuticeffects. Optical properties of skin color and fat thickness fromclinical test subjects may be approximated and used as input to themulti layered Monte Carlo model. The model will determine what fractionof IR photons incident to the subject's skin are absorbed in the muscletissue. Using the relationships between diffuse reflectance profile fromthe IR photometer output and the faction of light absorbed in the musclelayer (Abs_muscle) from Table 1, an adjustment to the Treatment Time orlight intensity can be calculated that will deliver a dose of IR lightto the muscle tissue.

The control system 120 including the pressure controller 125 and/or thelight emitting controller 175 can be any device capable of receivinginput, performing calculations, performing calculations based on theinput, producing an output signal, and/or producing an output signal asa result of the calculations. The controllers 125, 175 may be part ofthe same controller or may be separate controllers that are capable ofcommunication with one another. The controllers 125, 175 may be in theform of a central processor that is capable of interacting with a uservia a keyboard, a graphical user interface, wireless communication,voice command, or any other manner. For example, the controllers 125,175 may be a personal computer, a laptop, a handheld device, a server, anetwork of servers, a cloud network, or the like. The operator mayinteract with the controller 125 and/or controller 175 before, during,or after the light therapy procedure. The controllers 125, 175 caninclude various modules that allow it to perform calculations,algorithms, routines, and/or subroutines to process information and/ormake determinations. The controllers 125, 175 may further include otheroptional modules, such as artificial intelligence and/or machinelearning modules that use algorithms to parse data, learn from the data,and then to make determinations and/or predictions based on what waslearned.

Although the present invention has been described in considerable detailwith regard to certain preferred versions thereof, other versions arepossible, and alterations, permutations and equivalents of the versionshown will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading ofthe specification and study of the drawings. For example, thecooperating components may be reversed or provided in additional orfewer number. Also, the various features of the versions herein can becombined in various ways to provide additional versions of the presentinvention. Furthermore, certain terminology has been used for thepurposes of descriptive clarity, and not to limit the present invention.Throughout this specification and any claims appended hereto, unless thecontext makes it clear otherwise, the term “comprise” and its variationssuch as “comprises” and “comprising” should be understood to imply theinclusion of a stated element, limitation, or step but not the exclusionof any other elements, limitations, or steps. Therefore, any appendedclaims should not be limited to the description of the preferredversions contained herein and should include all such alterations,permutations, and equivalents as fall within the true spirit and scopeof the present invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A light therapy system comprising: a pressurecuff system comprising a cuff that is positionable on or near a bodypart of a user and that can receive pressurized air to selectivelypressurize and depressurize the cuff; and a light emitting systemcomprising a supporting structure and a light emitter positioned on thesupporting structure, the light emitter being controllably powerable;wherein the supporting structure is positionable on an interior surfaceof the cuff so that the light emitter can direct light onto the bodypart, and wherein the light emitter has a light emitting surface, thelight emitting surface being a sufficient height from the supportingstructure that the light emitting surface can be pressed into the skinand into a fatty layer of the body part when the cuff is pressurized. 2.A light therapy system according to claim 1 wherein the height of thelight emitting surface is at least about 3 mm.
 3. A light therapy systemaccording to claim 1 wherein the light emitter comprises a plurality ofarrays of light emitters, each associated with a different muscle groupof the body part.
 4. A light therapy system according to claim 1 whereinthe supporting structure and the light emitter are on a liner, the linerbeing removably attachable to the interior surface of the cuff.
 5. Alight therapy system according to claim 1 further comprising aphotometer capable of measuring a property of the body part.
 6. A lighttherapy system according to claim 1 further comprising a photometerpositionable on the interior surface of the cuff.
 7. A light therapysystem according to claim 1 wherein the cuff is an integrated part of achair.
 8. A light therapy system comprising: a pressure cuff systemcomprising a cuff that can is positionable on or near a body part of auser and that can receive pressurized air to selectively pressurize anddepressurize the cuff; a light emitting member comprising a supportingstructure and a light emitter positioned on the supporting structure,wherein the supporting structure is positionable on an interior surfaceof the cuff so that the light emitter can direct light onto the bodypart; and a controller capable of controllably powering the lightemitter, wherein controller can adjust the intensity or duration of thelight directed onto the body part in response to an input or measurementrelated to a condition of the body part.
 9. A light therapy systemaccording to claim 8 wherein the controller adjusts the intensity orduration of the light in response to a thickness of the fat layer of thebody part.
 10. A light therapy system according to claim 8 wherein thecontroller adjusts the intensity or duration of the light in response toa skin color of the body part.
 11. A light therapy system according toclaim 8 further comprising a photometer and wherein the controlleradjusts the intensity or duration of the light in response to a signalfrom the photometer.
 12. A light therapy system according to claim 11wherein the photometer is positionable on the interior surface of thecuff.
 13. A light therapy system according to claim 11 wherein thephotometer generates a signal in relation to the thickness of the fatlayer of the body part or the transmissivity of the body part.
 14. Alight therapy system according to claim 8 wherein the light emittercomprises a plurality of arrays of light emitters, each associated witha different muscle group of the body part.
 15. A light therapy systemaccording to claim 8 further comprising a plurality of photometers andwherein the controller adjusts the intensity or duration of the light inresponse to a signal from the photometers, wherein the photometergenerates a signal in relation to the thickness of the fat layer of thebody part or the transmissivity of the body part, wherein the lightemitter comprises a plurality of arrays of light emitters, eachassociated with a different muscle group of the body part, and whereineach photometer is positionable on the interior surface of the cuff inproximity to a respective array.
 16. A light therapy system according toclaim 8 wherein the supporting structure and the light emitter are on aliner, the liner being removably attachable to the interior surface ofthe cuff.
 17. A method of providing light therapy, the methodcomprising: providing a pressure cuff having a light emitter on aninterior surface thereof; positioning the cuff on or near a body part;inflating the cuff and pressing the light emitter directly or indirectlyagainst the skin of the body part; determining the intensity or durationof light to be applied from the light emitter to the body part inrelation to a condition of the body part; and powering the light emitterso that the light is applied to the body part at the determinedintensity or duration.
 18. A method according to claim 17 wherein thecondition of the body part is the thickness of a fat layer of the bodypart or a skin color of the body part.
 19. A method according to claim17 further using a photometer to measure the condition of the body partand using the measurement to determine the intensity or duration of thelight.
 20. A method according to claim 19 wherein the photometer ispositioned on the interior surface of the cuff.